AZTECS HEAD-TO-HEAD

Aztecs: A big offensive performance is way overdue for the Aztecs. Two killer interceptions aside, SDSU’s offense played its best game of the young season against Oregon State. QB Quinn Kaehler completed 64 percent of his passes, and the Aztecs finally got some semblance of a running game going behind Adam Muema.

Aggies: New Mexico State’s defense has given up an average of an FBS-worst 606.5 yards per game. Each of the Aggies’ four previous opponents has rushed for more than 290 yards, and multiple touchdowns. NMSU’s best defensive showing came against Minnesota’s pass game. The Gophers managed only 127 passing yards and no touchdowns. They still beat NMSU 44-21 though.

Edge: Aztecs.

SDSU’s defense vs. New Mexico State’s offense

Aztecs: If the Aztecs play the kind of defense they managed last week, when they held Oregon State to a season-low 367 passing yards, they should do fine against an Aggies offense that still appears to be looking for its identity. SDSU’s secondary showed last week that it is capable of limiting big plays.

Aggies: The Aggies are a pistol/spread team that uses two quarterbacks. Andrew McDonald is the more efficient passer, while King Davis III is more of a dual threat guy. Still, NMSU has been more effective through the air. McDonald has thrown touchdown passes of 72, 81 and 33 yards in the last two games.

Aztecs: The kicking game continues to be a pleasant surprise for SDSU. Senior placekicker Wes Feer converted three field goals in the defeat to Oregon State, including a career-long 45-yarder, and he is still a perfect 7-for-7 this season.

Aggies: Punter Cayle Chapman-Brown struggled against UCLA last week, and was relieved midway through the game by Jake Capraro. Chapman Brown and Capraro are competing for the punting job in practice this week, but the punting game is definitely an area the Aztecs can hope to exploit.

Edge: Aztecs

Coaching

Aztecs: Despite the Aztecs’ 0-3 start, SDSU has made progress each week. On defense, Rocky Long has simplified the game plan to suit his players’ abilities, and so far, it appears that the Aztecs are heading in the right direction.

Aggies: You have to give Martin credit for returning to Las Cruces after a year away, and trying to resurrect a team that finished last season 1-11. The Aggie are thin at most positions, and that has showed through the first few games.

Edge: Aztecs.

Intangibles

Aztecs:: This team is still seething from the way they lost a late-game lead against Oregon State and had the win pulled out from under them. Expect them to come out with a vengeance against the Aggies.

Aggies: They’ve played their last few opponents tough, and will come into this game knowing they have a shot at a win against a 0-3 team.